Russia's communications regulator announced on Tuesday it will escalate restrictions on Telegram, saying the messaging service and several other apps have not corrected earlier violations. The decision follows measures introduced last year that already limited voice and video calling on Telegram and other platforms.
Roskomnadzor said it began limiting voice and video calls via Telegram last August - a step it took previously against Meta's WhatsApp - and in December moved to block Apple's FaceTime as part of a wider clampdown on some foreign-based technology providers. The regulator said the additional measures are being imposed because several apps have not acted to resolve complaints raised by authorities over recent months.
In an official statement, Roskomnadzor said: "As before, Russian law is not being observed, personal data is not protected, and there are no effective measures to counter fraud and the use of the messaging app for criminal and terrorist purposes." It added: "Therefore, by decision of the authorized bodies, Roskomnadzor will continue to impose successive restrictions in order to ensure compliance with Russian legislation and ensure the protection of citizens."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state news agency TASS he had been informed that Telegram was "not meeting the requirements of Russian legislation." "It is a great shame that the company is not carrying out laws that need to be observed," he said.
Telegram's founder, Pavel Durov, who was born in Russia, pushed back against the regulator's actions on his own channel. He wrote that the app would remain committed to defending "freedom of speech and user privacy no matter the pressure." In a separate post, he said: "Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer" and reiterated that "Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure."
The messaging service plays a wide role in Russia's information ecosystem: it is used by government offices - including the Kremlin - courts, media organizations, celebrities and figures in the exiled opposition, and is a key distribution channel for instant updates. Military bloggers have also used it extensively, according to reporting on its usage.
On the streets of Moscow, several residents interviewed said they had noticed a degradation in Telegram's performance. "I noticed it clearly today. My business is very tied up with it, so that's bad," said Roman, a media professional, noting that some Russian firms rely on social networks and messaging services rather than email to attract new clients. A young woman, Anna, said: "It's very bad because all my friends and family use Telegram. I don't know how I'm going to communicate with them because I don't want to move to other platforms."
State news agency RIA reported that Telegram faces fines totalling up to 64 million roubles in eight forthcoming court hearings linked to alleged failures to remove information that Russian law requires to be taken down. RIA also said bailiffs are seeking to collect another 9 million roubles in earlier unpaid fines.
The announcements come as the government encourages use of a state-backed messaging service, MAX, which is being promoted for access to government services as well as for messaging. Officials and state media have touted the alternative, while critics argue MAX could be used for surveillance - a point denied by state media outlets.
Russia previously tried and failed to block Telegram in 2018. The country has also banned Meta's Facebook and Instagram and imposed restrictions on access to YouTube, which is owned by Alphabet's Google. Observers note the latest moves are part of a broader effort to exert more control over digital platforms.
Roskomnadzor's statement signals a continuation of stepped-up measures against foreign and independent messaging services, and points to possible legal and financial consequences for platforms deemed non-compliant. The regulator framed the actions as necessary to enforce Russian law, protect citizens and reduce misuse of messaging services for criminal and terrorist activities.
The reported potential fines and the collection of previously imposed penalties add a concrete legal and financial dimension to the restrictions. RIA's figures included both the 64 million roubles in potential fines and the 9 million roubles already being sought by bailiffs, and the article noted the exchange rate of ($1 = 77.3000 roubles).
For businesses and individuals that rely on Telegram for communication and client outreach, the regulator's announcement raises immediate operational concerns. At the same time, the promotion of a state-backed alternative and past measures against other major platforms suggest the policy emphasis will remain on reducing reliance on foreign services and increasing control over domestic communications infrastructure.
Summary
Roskomnadzor said it will impose further restrictions on Telegram and other messaging apps after finding they did not address complaints about legal compliance and data protection. The regulator has already limited voice and video calling and has blocked other services. Telegram's founder defended privacy and free expression. Russian authorities reported potential fines and are encouraging a state-backed messaging alternative.
Key points
- Roskomnadzor will step up restrictions on Telegram, citing failures to correct prior violations and to protect personal data - impact on telecom and social media sectors.
- Potential fines of up to 64 million roubles and collection of 9 million roubles in earlier fines were reported - legal and financial pressure on foreign-based apps and their operations in Russia.
- The government is promoting a state-backed messenger, MAX, for services and messaging, raising questions for user choice and government-service integration - implications for digital services and public-sector platforms.
Risks and uncertainties
- Enforcement risk: Additional restrictions and fines could disrupt communications services relied upon by businesses and media - affecting the telecom and digital communications sectors.
- User migration risk: If access to Telegram is curtailed, users may be pushed toward the state-backed MAX platform, which critics worry could be used for surveillance - with implications for privacy and public trust in digital government services.
- Operational risk: Companies using Telegram for client outreach and real-time updates may face operational interruptions if the app's functionality is further limited - impacting marketing, customer acquisition and media distribution channels.